Lompoul Desert, Senegal + Saloum River Deltas: 10 Day Tour Package

Senegal boasts extraordinary natural wonders that await your discovery on this ten-day expedition through the Lompoul desert and the stunning deltas of the Senegal and Saloum rivers.

Description

Day 1: Arrival in Dakar - Lac Rose

Upon your arrival at the Blaise Diagne airport, our team will be ready to welcome you and transport you to the Lac Rose hotel. After settling in, we will enjoy a delightful dinner together to kick off your ten-day journey in Senegal.

Day 2: Lac Rose - Saint-Louis

Fueling up with breakfast, we will set off towards Lac Rose, renowned for its mesmerizing color variations influenced by the weather. You’ll have the chance to explore its expansive beaches and lush filaos forests, along with witnessing a salt extraction demonstration.

If interested, you're welcome to take a dip in the Pink Lake—here, the high salt concentration allows you to float effortlessly. Following this, we'll visit the village of Retba by the lake and continue our journey northward, covering approximately 300 kilometers to Saint-Louis. This historic city will transport you back in time as we delve into its rich cultural and historical tapestry.

We will conclude our day with a restful night at a hotel in Saint-Louis.

Day 3: Options of Saint-Louis or Djoudi Park

On day three, if your travel dates fall between April and October, we will remain in St-Louis, strolling along the bridge and observing local fishing activities.

Alternatively, for travelers visiting between November and March, we will venture from St-Louis to Djoudi Park, a sanctuary for migratory birds seeking refuge from the cold. This remarkable ornithological reserve is home to countless bird species, as well as diverse mammals and reptiles waiting to be discovered.

After an exhilarating ride on a raft along the Senegal River, we will return to Saint-Louis and cap off the day with a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through the city's notable landmarks.

Day 4: Saint-Louis - Langue de Barbarie

We will bid farewell to Saint-Louis and traverse the Faidherbe bridge, extending over 500 meters, towards our next destination: Langue de Barbarie, a national park nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Senegal River. Here, the rest of the day will be devoted to exploration and relaxation at a local hotel.

Day 5: Discovering Langue de Barbarie

With an entire day in the Langue de Barbarie, we will explore the breathtaking Senegal River delta and marvel at its remarkable biodiversity. Expect to encounter pelicans, sea turtles, and many other fascinating species.

We will enjoy another night at our hotel in Langue de Barbarie.

Day 6: Langue de Barbarie - Lompoul Desert

Departing from the Langue de Barbarie, we will journey to the Lompoul Desert, recognized as one of the smallest deserts globally, covering just 18 square kilometers. Here, we will hop into a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the sand dunes, arriving at the haima camp where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch.

An unforgettable evening awaits around a bonfire, enjoying dinner accompanied by traditional Senegalese music and dance.

Day 7: From Lompoul Desert to Ndangane - Mar Fafako

After a captivating day in the desert, we will explore the heart of Senegal, beginning with a visit to Ndangane, known as the home of the Serer people. Lunch will be at your leisure before we head to Mar Fafako, where we will take a horse-drawn carriage to discover its cultural streets, followed by an exciting kayak tour of the Salum Delta.

Day 8: Mar Fafako - Saloum Delta - Return to Mar Fafako

After breakfast, we will set out for the breathtaking mangrove wetlands of the Salum River islands. These natural corridors of water, sand, and foliage present unique wildlife experiences as we explore the stunning Saloum Delta. Lunch will be on your own before we journey back to Mar Fafako for a restful overnight stay.

Day 9: Mar Fafako - Bandia Reserve - Somone

Leaving behind the islands of the Salum Delta, we will make our way to the Bandia Reserve, located just a short distance from Saly. Here, we will embark on a safari, observing the incredible wildlife of the African savannah, spotting creatures like white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, roan antelopes, and kobs.

Keep an eye out for playful monkeys in the acacia trees, as well as crocodiles and giant tortoises lounging in Bandia's serene lagoons. After a lunch at your convenience, we’ll proceed to our hotel in Somone to unwind before the final day.

Day 10: Somone - Departure to Dakar

On this final day, we will have breakfast and visit the lagoon of Somone, where we can observe local fisherwomen gathering seafood among the mangroves. You'll have time for a leisurely lunch before we commence our journey back to Blaise Diagne airport for your departure.

Accommodation

This journey includes nine nights of lodging with breakfast and dinner at carefully selected 2 and 3-star hotels:

Lac Rose (1 night): Hotel Chez Salim or similarSaint-Louis (2 nights): Hotel Diamarek or similarLangue de Barbarie (2 nights): Ocean & Savane Hotel or similarLompoul (1 night): Camp du Desert or similarMar Fafako (2 nights): Hotel Essemaye or similarSomone (1 night): Hotel Les Pieds dans l'Eau or similar